How to Disable UEFI to Dual Boot Any Operating System?
Dual-booting has gained significant popularity among individuals with a keen interest in technology and professionals who desire the convenience of operating multiple operating systems on a single device.
Although the process can be fulfilling, it is important to acknowledge that certain obstacles, such as navigating the complexities of UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), may present themselves.
In this blog post, we will explore the process of how to disable UEFI to enable the seamless dual booting of any operating system on your device.
Understanding Dual Booting and UEFI
The concept of dual booting involves the installation and execution of two distinct operating systems on a single computer system. This feature enables users to seamlessly alternate between the two operating systems during the startup process, thereby granting them the ability to leverage a broader spectrum of software applications and functionalities.
The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a contemporary alternative to the conventional Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) that is commonly encountered in computer systems. The UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) offers a range of enhanced capabilities and performance, including heightened security measures and expedited boot durations.
When dual-booting with UEFI, there are a few important considerations:
1. Partitioning: Each operating system in a dual boot configuration needs its own partition on the hard drive. The partition sizes can be adjusted based on your needs, but it’s important to allocate enough space for each OS.
2. Boot Manager: UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) includes a built-in boot manager that significantly enhances the boot process compared to the older BIOS. It allows users to manage and choose between multiple operating systems installed on the same computer without relying on third-party tools.
3. Secure Boot: UEFI includes a feature called Secure Boot that helps protect against malware during the boot process. However, enabling Secure Boot may require additional steps when installing an operating system, especially if it is not digitally signed by a trusted authority.
4. Compatibility: Not all operating systems are compatible with UEFI. Before attempting a dual boot, ensure that both operating systems support UEFI or else you may encounter compatibility issues.
5. Drivers and Software: Different operating systems may require specific drivers and software packages to function properly in a dual boot setup. It’s important to ensure that all necessary drivers and software are installed for each OS.
How to Disable UEFI- Step by Step
Before delving into the process of disabling UEFI, it’s crucial to perform a few preliminary steps to ensure a smooth transition:
Backup Your Data: The first and most important step is to back up all your important data. Sometimes, disabling UEFI and changing system settings can cause unintended problems, such as boot failures or data corruption. Use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another reliable backup method to ensure that all critical files, documents, and media are safely stored. You can make a backup and then be sure that any data you have will remain preserved if there is a problem in the transfer process.
Create a Bootable USB: Secondly, you are going to create a bootable USB drive of your preferred operating system. It will be helpful because you would eventually have the capacity to reinstall or even set up that desired operating system after you had disabled UEFI. Be sure that there’s enough space for the installer to be correctly prepared on your USB drive. Rufus is the tool to use if you are working with Windows, and Etcher is the one for Linux. Just ensure that you check that the operating system is compatible with the changes you will be making to your firmware settings.
Disabling UEFI for Dual Booting:
Access UEFI/BIOS Settings: Restart your computer and enter the UEFI/BIOS settings by pressing the designated key during startup. Common keys include F2, F10, F12, or Delete, depending on your system’s manufacturer.
Navigate to UEFI Settings: Within the UEFI settings, navigate to the “Boot” or “Startup” section, where you’ll find options related to boot order and boot modes.
Disable Secure Boot: Secure Boot is a UEFI feature that ensures the system only boots with trusted software. Disable Secure Boot to allow the installation of non-Windows operating systems. Some systems require you to enter a secure boot password to disable it.
Switch to Legacy Boot Mode: If your UEFI settings offer a choice between UEFI and Legacy (BIOS) boot modes, switch to Legacy mode. This mode allows you to install operating systems that might not be fully UEFI-compatible.
Enable CSM (Compatibility Support Module): Some UEFI settings include an option called CSM, which provides support for legacy boot devices. Enabling CSM can enhance compatibility with older operating systems.
Installing Your Desired Operating System
With UEFI disabled and the necessary settings adjusted, you’re now ready to install your desired operating system alongside the existing one:
Boot from the USB Drive: Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive containing the installation files for your chosen operating system.
Follow Installation Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the new operating system. During the installation process, you’ll be prompted to choose a partition for the new OS. Be careful not to overwrite the existing OS partition.
Partition Management: If you’re installing a Linux distribution, it’s essential to create appropriate partitions, including a root partition and a swap partition. Ensure that you’re installing the new OS on a separate partition from the existing one.
Install Bootloader: For Linux distributions, the bootloader (usually GRUB) needs to be installed on the same partition as the new OS. This bootloader will allow you to choose between operating systems during startup.
Post-Installation Configuration:
Once the installation is complete, there are a few additional steps to take:
Configure Boot Order: Return to the UEFI settings and configure the boot order to prioritise the bootloader of the new operating system. This ensures that you can easily choose between the different OS options during startup.
Test the Dual Boot: Restart your computer and test the dual boot configuration. You should see a menu that allows you to select between the different operating systems installed on your device.
Conclusion
In order to facilitate the dual booting of various operating systems, it is imperative to approach the process of disabling UEFI with meticulous deliberation and a methodical methodology. By adhering to the procedures delineated in this instructional manual, one can effectively surmount the obstacles presented by UEFI and establish a cohesive milieu conducive to the simultaneous operation of multiple operating systems on a solitary device. It is important to bear in mind that although dual booting provides flexibility, it also necessitates careful consideration and appropriate configuration in order to guarantee the stability and efficiency of both operating systems.